Police: Nazareth Man Wrote Apology in Blood After Breaking Wife's Neck

On his 28th birthday, a Nazareth man learned he could face up to 34 years in prison if found guilty of choking his wife and breaking vertebrae in her neck.

After the domestic dispute, Jason Gruver, of the 400 block of Union Street, attempted suicide by cutting his wrist, according to court records, because he thought he had killed his wife.

The victim’s sister later found an apology. On the walls of a shower and allegedly scrawled in Gruver’s blood, according to court records, was the message, “I’m sorry. I ♥ u so much.”

The domestic dispute was called in at 5:46 a.m. Sunday, July 15, according to court records. Pennsylvania State Police was covering for the Nazareth Borough Police Department at the time, borough Police Chief Thomas Trachta said.

State Police responded and the victim was transported to in Fountain Hill, court records say. One of the victim’s doctors, according to court records, confirmed that her injuries were consistent with strangulation at the hands of another.

Gruver was admitted to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg for treatment, records say.

Nazareth police became aware of the domestic dispute at 10:40 p.m. Sunday, when Officer Benjamin Rizzotto was dispatched to the 400 block of Union Street for a report of bloodstains found throughout a home that belonged to the 911 caller’s sister, according to court records.

Rizzotto observed bloodstains on the front door, the top of the stairway, in the hallway, outside the bathroom and inside the bathroom, records say.

There was also “a large amount of illegal drugs inside the home,” according to court records.

Gruver, who is employed by Yourway Transport in Upper Macungie Township, was arraigned Monday before . His jeans appeared to be stained with blood, and a bandage was visible on his left wrist.

He was charged with one count each of aggravated assault, criminal attempt, recklessly endangering another person and harassment, and two counts of simple assault.

The aggravated assault charge alone carries up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.

Capobianco ordered Gruver to have no contact with the victim or her family.

When Gruver asked if he was allowed to see his daughter, who is currently in the custody of the victim’s sister, Capobianco also said “no." 

“No contact right now,” Capobianco said of Gruver and his daughter. “I don’t want to get into custody, but right now… no.”

Trachta said the girl was not home at the time of the domestic dispute.

Gruver was committed to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $100,000 straight bail.